The announcement was made by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who said the measure "gives special powers to the head of State to act in matters of defense and safety" should the US "dare to attack" the South American country.
"To activate all plans of citizen security. To activate the militia in the nation's integrated defense system. To close land, sea and air borders, to safeguard our territorial integrity and the integrity of our population," she added.
The Miami Herald noted that under Article 338 of the South American country's constitution, the declaration of an "external national commotion" would allow the government to suspend certain constitutional guarantees to deal with foreign threats.
The measure can last up to 90 days and can be renewed one time. It has to be approved by the Council of Ministers, presented to the National Assembly and reviewed by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court within eight days. All such bodies are controlled by officials friendly to the regime.
"As authorities we have the responsibility to not allow these expressions in our territory. Those calling for a criminal blockade, for an invasion, can't be called Venezuelans. These expressions can't be allowed. Enough. So this state of exception is clear about the president's abilities to defend the safety and peace of Venezuela," Rodriguez concluded.
RHM/
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